‘Ted’ Sternberg, owner of Ted’s Frostop, dies at 85

SAMUEL THEODORE “TED” STERNBERG, the owner of Ted’s Frostop, an initial Uptown restaurant franchise that he transformed into a fast food empire with 15 locations throughout New Orleans and elsewhere, died Friday, April 18, 2014.

A native New Orleanian, Sternberg thoroughly loved the local culture, especially Mardi Gras and jazz. Early on he embraced the National Football League and was a proud original New Orleans Saints season ticket holder.

A graduate of Isidore Newman School, Sternberg attended the University of Illinois and Tulane, and graduated from the Spartan School of Aeronautics, where he received his initial flight training. He served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. Upon his return to New Orleans, he became involved with the Frostop Drive In restaurant franchise with its iconic frosty root beer glass mug and “Lotta-Burger.” The Frostop franchises were identified by large replicas of the root beer mug that stood high above each location.

Sternberg’s franchise ownerships spread throughout the Greater New Orleans area and spread as far as way as Little Rock, AK. for more than 50 years. He was a long time member of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and had only recently retired from an active role in the business.

Sternberg was a charter member of the Krewe of Bacchus and served as a float lieutenant for many years. He was a lover of traditional jazz and a member of the New Orleans Jazz Club. An avid fisherman, he supported the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana.

Sternberg most loved his family and passed on his love for New Orleans to them, promoting the 1984 World’s Fair, the Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival throughout his life. He was a member of Temple Sinai.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan; daughters Melanie S. Borek (Rich) and Gail Sternberg (Richard); four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dr. Melville Sternberg.

Graveside Services were conducted at Hebrew Rest Cemetery III, Pelopidas and Frenchmen Streets, on Monday, April 21, at 11:00 a.m. Cantor Joel Colman officiated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Touro Infirmary, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans or the Coastal Conservation Association of LA.